Working in an office that does not have adequate Office Storage Solutions can result in a cluttered and unprofessional looking workspace. Whether you have a home office or an office in a professional business, it is essential that you have the needed space to store everything you need to work. From papers to small office supplies to office equipment that is only used once in a while, everything needs to have a place to be stored. If you only have counter space and desk space, it will be difficult to stay organized and work productivity will decrease. There are many types of office storage that can keep your office organized. The kinds of Office Storage Solutions that you use for your office will depend on your needs and they type of business that you run or work for. Consider the purpose of office storage solutions in your business and then choose the items that will work best for you.
Desks
They type of desk you use in your office can make a big difference in the storage that is available to you. There are many types of office desks and some of them have built in storage systems in place. Some office desks have file drawers built in. These file drawers have metal rods for hanging files. These types of file drawers are idea for keeping paper files close when they are used often or if they are part of an ongoing project that you are working on. You can buy desks with multiple drawers for holding things that you like to keep close like sticky notes, pens, and other items. You can also buy desks with a hutch that fits over the top of the desk. This means your desk must be against a wall but it also means that you get additional vertical storage that can help you keep items close and keep them organized at the same time.
File cabinets
Even if your desk has a file drawer, you will likely need to have additional storage for files that are not required to be within easy reach. You will want to have at least one file cabinet where you can keep files that need to be saved for certain periods of time. There are vertical and horizontal file cabinets available. Horizontal file cabinets can be handy for those who like to have additional work space. They can also be convenient for storing things like standing desk files, books, file boxes, and other items that you like to keep close but do not have room for on your desk. Vertical file cabinets take up less space in the room and you can put several of them together for ultimate file storage. File cabinets with locks can be an ideal way to keep things safe and private. Sometimes when offices have paper files it is because the items within them are of a sensitive nature. Keeping them under lock and key prevents them from getting in the wrong hands.
Standing cabinets
Some offices do not have an adequate storage room where items that are bought in bulk can be kept. Standing storage closets can be ideal in this situation. There are great for storing reams of paper, bulk items like pens and extra items like USB devices. They can hold a fairly substantial amount of items and keep your office neat by keeping everything behind closed doors.
Desk storage
There are some items that you will want to keep on your desk because you use them on a regular basis. Having proper desk top storage can prevent your desk from getting cluttered. Some of the storage items that you might want to consider purchasing for your desk include:
- Magazine racks for standing files
- Pen holders
- Cubes that hold multiple small items like pens, paper clips, push pins, etc.
- Cord organizers
- Valet for holding cell phone, mp3 player, etc.
Multi-use storage furniture
If you have an office that needs to have room for a guest to sit or to work, consider using multi-use furniture. You can use a coffee table that has drawers to store items. You can buy chairs that have seats that lift up and can store items within the base. You can even buy side tables that have a decorative appeal but have storage within that can keep items you don’t use often out of sight. Consider using furniture that can open up and become other items, too. You might use a filing cabinet that has a top that folds open so that it can be used as a desk or extra work space. This is an ideal solution for smaller office that sometimes needs to double as a shared office.
Mobile storage
Sometimes you need to have a little bit of work space or you need to create more space in your office when you have extra people in the room. Having storage solutions that can be moved to the outer spaces of the room or can be moved closer to your desk for extra work space can help. Consider using bookshelves that are on castors and file cabinets that can be moved closer to your desk. When you are not using these items they can be tucked away into a corner of the room or they can even be removed from the room if necessary.
Wall Storage
Don’t forget to use your wall space. Shelving that is attached to the walls of your office space keeps floor space open. It creates storage space in an area of the office that will never be used otherwise. You can put shelving up higher store items that will never be used otherwise. You can put shelving units in the corners of the room and take advantage of unused space. Wall storage can be a good place to put decorative items that make the office space look nicer and practical items that you don’t use every day but want to have within easy access when you need it. Hanging wall files are another way that you can create storage on your walls. Many people like to place hanging files near their desk so that they can keep important files and papers handy. Bulletin boards and memo boards are another option for ways that you can maximum wall storage space. Besides shelving, you can get more creative with your wall storage options. Wall cubes are ideal for storing sets of similar items. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes (square, rectangle, etc.) and can be placed on any wall surface. They are also very decorative as you will find that there are many colors and designs to choose from. These are a great way to make an office look unique and create fun storage options at the same time.
Bookshelves
Bookshelves store books, binders, magazines, CD storage boxes, and more. They are open and can be very visually pleasing. There are bookshelves of a variety of sizes. They can also be used as room dividers if you have a larger office space that is shared and you want to create the illusion of privacy. Bookshelves can also be multi-functional. Look for a bookshelf that has units that can extend to create extra desk space or wheels so that it can be moved to different areas of the room.
Consider All Your Options
The furniture and Office Storage Solutions that you choose for your office can last a long time so choose carefully when you are setting up work spaces. If you plan out your needs at the beginning you will be more likely to find office storage solutions that will last you for many years to come. Small offices will need to have more creative, multi-use office storage and larger offices might need to create office storage that helps to break the room into different spaces for different purposes. Office storage solutions can be very versatile and unique. Finally, don’t forget that storage solutions for offices do not need to be unattractive. There are so many designs and looks to choose from that you can use the various storage solutions that you choose to make your office look more attractive. Having an office space that is visually appealing makes it easier for you to get work done. It can make it into a place that you actually like being. So, besides the fact that you can keep your office organized and neat, you can create a place to work that is reflective of your personality and those two factors can be huge contributors to productivity. When you are productive your business does better. When your employees are happy, they work harder for you. Creating great office storage solutions that look great is just one more thing you can do for your business.